Most people come across different types of sentences every day but they don’t pay much attention to their differences. When people speak or write, they express their thoughts, feelings, and ideas using different types of sentences. However, there are only 4 types of sentences. And, each of these types serves a unique purpose.
Nevertheless, these types can be categorized further into three based on their conditions or how they are made. Here is the basic categorization of sentences presented by our assignment writers.
- Simple sentence – This is a sentence with a single independent clause. Only a single punctuation mark like a full stop, question mark, or exclamation mark is required in this sentence. Here is an example, “Your essay is late.”
- Compound sentence – This sentence type comprises simple joining sentences. It is made by joining closely related sentences using words like but, and, yet, and so. A comma or a semi-colon can also be used to make this sentence. Here is an example, “Your essay is late, so you will lose some marks”.
- Complex sentence – Complex sentence types are made by combining independent clauses with dependent clauses using a comma. However, a comma is not required when a sentence starts with an independent clause. Here is an example, “You lost marks because your essay was late”.
Apart from these three types of sentences in English, they can be categorized into four major classes.
4 Major Types of Sentences
As hinted, people use four sentences types in speaking and writing. But, what are the 4 types of sentences? These categories of sentences are as follows:
- Declarative sentences
- Imperative sentences
- Interrogative sentences
- Exclamatory sentences
These four types of sentences enable humans to express themselves and communicate. What’s more, people use different sentences types to add interest to what they say and pass their ideas effectively. But, to communicate more effectively, you should know how each of the four types of sentences functions. Here is an explanation of different types of sentences with examples.
Declarative Sentences
These are basic sentences. It is probably the most common of the 4 sentences types.
Declarative sentences simply declare something or relay information.
A period is used to punctuate a declarative sentence. Here are examples of declarative sentences.
- The girl walked home.
- I love coffee
- He wants cookies but he does not know how they are made.
These examples show that a declarative sentence is used to make a statement. This can be an opinion or a fact. It can be a simple or a compound sentence but the purpose is the same. What’s more, this sentence can be different tenses provided it serves the purpose of presenting the information.
Interrogative Sentences
Just like the name suggests, these sentences ask questions.
(Video) What is Sentence | Type of Sentences | Four Types
They are simply direct questions with a question mark at the end. Here are examples of interrogative sentences.
- Whose car is that?
- Why is the sun shining?
- Will Antony keep his lottery winnings?
Question words like “why” and “how” mark the beginning of most interrogative sentences. However, some of them are simple yes or no questions. That means they start with a verb. Nevertheless, interrogative sentences require a verb and a noun to make sense.
Exclamatory Sentences
Just like declarative sentences, exclamatory sentences make statements. They do not ask questions.
A person uses an exclamatory sentence to express strong emotion. These sentences have an exclamation mark at the end.
Here are examples of exclamatory sentences.
- Come here right away!
- I wanted tacos and not pizza!
- Hurry, you’ve just won the medal!
Exclamatory sentences also come with a verb and a subject. This is a requirement for most sentences to be complete. In most cases, people use exclamatory sentences in casual conversations. They can also be used to express emotions in written dialogues. However, they are not common in expository or academic writing. Instead, declarative sentences are used to make points in such serious works.
Imperative Sentences
No type of sentences worksheets can be complete without the mention of imperative sentences. These sentences do more than stating facts.
They tell the person to do something. They can be used to provide basic instructions, friendly advice, or issue a forceful command.
Here are examples of imperative sentences.
- Shut that window to keep bugs away.
- Stop disturbing me!
- Turn left on reaching the tall building.
An imperative sentence can end with a period. However, a forceful demand can end with an exclamation mark. This is used to highlight emotion. Imperative sentences are identified by the fact that they miss a subject. Nevertheless, each imperative sentence has a command that is directed at the audience. This makes imperative sentences use the second-person. What’s more, the sentence can omit the subject. Now that we have answered the, what are the four types of sentences question, it’s imperative to know how to learn more about them.
How to Learn More about Sentences
Perhaps, you want to be telling people how many types of sentences are there in a text after skimming through it within minutes. Well, that’s possible if you take the time to learn more about the above categories of sentences. Several activities can help you learn more about different sentences. What’s more, you should differentiate a phrase vs. sentence with ease. But, how do you learn all this?
The best approach is probably to practice with somebody that knows different sentences in the English language. Sit down with them and read a book or newspaper together. Identify statements, commands, questions, and exclamations when reading. Use websites, magazines, and song lyrics to learn about different sentences. You can even have somebody ask random questions like: “What type of sentence is this?”
Your answer should help you determine whether you’re learning to differentiate sentences. It’s also crucial to learn how to punctuate sentences to make the message more impactful. This entails learning to use a full stop, exclamation mark, semicolon, comma, and other punctuation marks. This will enable you to learn how to compose different sentences. It will also teach you more about the structure of different categories of sentences. Once you think you’ve learned more about different sentences, consider taking a sentences types quiz online to gauge your learning.
Another activity that can help you learn more about sentences is having a conversation. For instance, you can select an interesting topic and start a conversation on it in the English language. This activity will teach you the importance of different sentences in both writing and speech.
Are you still asking, what are the 4 types of sentence structure?
Well, this article has answered this question. It has elaborated on the different categories of sentences based on their structure, complexity, or simplicity. Based on this elaboration, the choice of the sentence to use in every situation should depend on what you want to accomplish. For instance, you should use declarative sentences when you want to answer questions or relay information. Try to avoid passive voice. You should use interrogative sentences to ask questions. Use imperative sentences to ask somebody to something and exclamatory sentences to express emotions.
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FAQs
Four Types of Sentences With Examples? ›
The 4 types of sentences are: declarative (statement), exclamatory (exclamation), imperative (command) and interrogative (question).
What are the 4 kinds of sentences with 4 examples? ›| form | example sentence (clause) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | declarative | John likes Mary. |
| 2 | interrogative | Does Mary like John? |
| 3 | imperative | Stop! Close the door. |
| 4 | exclamative | What a funny story he told us! |
| Sentence Type | Purpose | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Declarative | Make a statement | I am a student. |
| Interrogative | Ask a question | Are you a student? |
| Imperative | Give a command | Welcome the new student. |
| Exclamatory | Form an expression | There are so many students here! |
The 4 types of sentences are: declarative (statement), exclamatory (exclamation), imperative (command) and interrogative (question).
What are 5 examples of simple sentences? ›- Joe waited for the train. "Joe" = subject, "waited" = verb.
- The train was late. ...
- Mary and Samantha took the bus. ...
- I looked for Mary and Samantha at the bus station. ...
- Mary and Samantha arrived at the bus station early but waited until noon for the bus.
Examples of Simple Declarative Sentences:
The dogs / are barking. It / is raining.
An imperative sentence can tell its subject to do (or not do) just about anything. Take a look at a few more examples: Don't answer the door unless your parents are home. Please open with care.
What are the kinds of sentences explain with examples? ›The sentence is generally defined as a word or a group of words that expresses a thorough idea by giving a statement/order, or asking a question, or exclaiming. Example: He is a good boy (statement), Is he a good boy? (question), What a nice weather!
What are the 4 functions of a sentence? ›There are four main sentence functions in the English language: declarative, interrogative, imperative, and exclamative.
What are the 4 types of sentences 4th grade? ›Explain to students there are four different types of sentences: declarative, interrogative,imperative, and exclamatory.
What are the 4 types of sentences exercise? ›
Assertive/Declarative, Imperative, Exclamatory and Interrogative.
What is exclamatory sentence and example? ›Exclamatory sentences usually begin with exclamatory pronouns like 'how' or 'what' to give emphasis on the noun or object in the sentence. For example: What a calm place! Exclamatory sentences normally end with an exclamation mark, which is a specific punctuation mark to give emphasis on a feeling or emotion.
What are the 4 types of grammar? ›- prescriptive.
- descriptive.
- transformational-generative.
- The cinema was sold out, so we watched a movie on TV.
- I'll have a week in Rome, or I'll go to Paris for three days.
- I really need a holiday, but I don't have the money, and I don't have the time.
- He's crazy! ...
- It's gone 10pm, and he still hasn't arrived.
- Our car broke down, so we took a taxi.
I dashed home, went in the house and told my dad. The great Iron man lifted his great iron foot, stepped in to the air and fell. First of all, the Iron man ate some tractors, went home and got trapped.
What are 10 examples of imperative sentence? ›- Bring me a glass of water.
- Don't ever touch my phone.
- Give me a pen and a pencil.
- Play with intensity and courage.
- Remember me when we are parted.
- Never forget the person who loves you.
- Take a step and don't move.
- Don't be excited about everything without reason.
- Where are you coming from?
- Would you like some coffee?
- What are you wearing?
- Aren't you going there?
- Would you like to have tea or coffee?
- Did John buy a present for the birthday party?
An affirmative sentence is any sentence that is positive. A negative sentence is a sentence that represents a negative thought, action or opinion. It can be an assertive sentence or a declarative sentence which has no negative words.
What is an example of a command sentence? ›For example, "Eat your dinner" is a command sentence, and uses the imperative verb eat. When an imperative verb is used in a sentence we refer to that sentence as an imperative.
What is the difference between a declarative sentence and an interrogative sentence? ›A sentence that tells something is a declarative sentence. A declarative sentence ends with a period. A sentence that asks a question is an interrogative sentence. An interrogative sentence ends with a question mark.
What's a complex sentence? ›
A complex sentence is an independent clause (a sentence that can stand on its own) with 1 or more dependent clauses added (dependent clauses can't stand on their own as a sentence).
What type of sentence is please let me work? ›Assertive sentence.
What is a sentence for mimic? ›He can mimic [=imitate] the way his father talks perfectly. He mimicked her accent.
What is assertive sentence? ›Assertive sentence:
An assertive sentence is a sentence that states a fact. Such sentences are simple statements. They state, assert, or declare something. They are also called declarative sentences. Assertive sentences usually end with a period or full stop.
Sentence Pattern 4: The Intransitive Verb Pattern. The fourth sentence pattern from Martha Kolln's book Rhetorical Grammar involves only two components: a subject and an intransitive verb. An intransitive verb is an action verb that requires no complement. In other words, the verb can stand alone.
What is a topic sentence 4th grade examples? ›A topic sentence tells the reader what the paragraph is about. For example, maybe your paragraph is about how dogs and wolves are alike and different. This would be a good topic sentence: Though dogs and wolves look alike, they have important differences.
What are the 4 types of sentence PDF? ›The 4-types of sentences on the basis of the function of the sentence are Declarative Sentence, Interrogative Sentence, Exclamatory Sentence, and Imperative Sentence.
What are the 4 types of sentences according to structure lesson plan? ›construct Simple, Compound, Complex and Compound-Complex Sentences.
Can a paragraph be 4 sentences? ›Each paragraph can have two or three sentences, while some paragraphs have only one sentence, depending on a lot of factors such as medium, topic, audience, and purpose. However, five is usually the maximum number of sentences that make up a good paragraph.
What are examples of imperative and exclamatory sentences? ›Imperative sentence: Make a wish. Exclamatory sentence: I had a wonderful birthday!
What is negative sentence example? ›
For example: I do not have an extra pencil to lend you. She does not know anything about the change in the seating allocation. They did not participate in the science quiz competition.
What are 4 examples of exclamatory sentences? ›Happy birthday, Amy! Thank you, Sheldon! I hate you! Ice cream sundaes are my favorite!
What are the 3 main types of sentences? ›Three essential types of sentence are declarative sentences (which are statements), interrogative sentences (which are questions), and imperative sentences (which are orders).
What are the different types of declarative sentences? ›What Are the Different Types of Declarative Sentences? There are two different types of sentences in the declarative form: a simple declarative sentence and a compound declarative sentence.
How many types of sentences are? ›There are four types of sentences in the English language: declarative, exclamatory, imperative, and interrogatory.
What is an example of a conjunction? ›And, or, so, since, for, because, as, but, yet, still, while, as soon as, therefore, moreover, in case, though, although, even though, etc. are some examples of conjunctions.
What is an example of a complex and compound sentence? ›Compound sentences use two or more independent clauses.
I am working now, but we will eat later. Complex sentences combine independent clauses with subordinate clauses, also known as dependent clauses. Because I am working now, we will eat later.
- The dog barks.
- The kettle boils.
- Birds live in nests.
- The boys are singing.
Some examples of such subordinating conjunctions are once, while, when, whenever, where, wherever, before, and after.
What is a fragment sentence? ›A fragment is an incomplete sentence. It cannot stand alone because it is not an independent clause. It either lacks a subject, a complete verb (or both), or it might be a complete sentence but because it begins with a subordinating word (such as “when” or “because”) it does not express a complete thought.
What is an example of a complex sentence with a subordinating conjunction? ›
His first job as a minister in Washington, D.C. was short-lived because his abolitionist views clashed with those of his congregation. (subordinating conjunction + subordinate clause) The majority of staff voted in favour of the proposal while there was one against and a few abstentions.
What is a pattern 4 sentence? ›In Pattern 4, we use a linking verb instead of an action verb. The linking verb links the subject noun to the noun that comes after the linking verb. A noun after a linking verb is a predicate noun (PrN).
How do you list 4 things in a sentence? ›Punctuation for Lists of Items Within a Sentence
Use commas after each item in a list of three or more items. Nurses monitor a patient's vital signs including temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and pulse. Use semi-colons after each item in a list if one or more items already includes a comma.
[M] [T] A square has four sides. [M] [T] I paid him four dollars. [M] [T] We got up at four in the morning. [M] [T] I am supposed to meet him at four.